In a performance that captivated the baseball world, Detroit Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal has been awarded the 2024 American League Cy Young Award. Skubal's stellar season, underscored by the unanimous vote from the Baseball Writers Association of America, sees him joining the esteemed ranks of recent legends to be deemed the absolute best in their field.
A Season to Remember
Skubal's 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Compiling an 18-4 record, he led the American League with a remarkable 2.39 earned run average (ERA). His prowess on the mound extended beyond traditional metrics; Skubal also topped the league in Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) with a 2.50, a testament to his effectiveness independent of fielding defense.
Not only did he dominate the regular season, but his performance in postseason play further cemented his status. Over three starts, Skubal allowed a minuscule 2.37 ERA. Demonstrating control and command, he struck out 20 batters across 19 innings while allowing just one unintentional walk. His postseason mastery was marked by zero unearned runs, illustrating both competence and composure under the spotlight.
Joining the Elite
With this Cy Young win, Skubal becomes the American League's third consecutive unanimous winner following Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023. His accolade-rich season included an impressive ERA+ of 170 and a league-leading wins above replacement (WAR) of 6.3, solidifying him as the most valuable pitcher in the 2024 season.
Additionally, Skubal achieved a personal milestone by being selected for the All-Star team for the first time in his career. This recognition reflected his standing among peers and fans alike as one of the game’s brightest talents. Impressively, Skubal struck out at least ten batters in three separate games during the 2024 season, showcasing the kind of dominance that left batters bewildered.
Crafting a Legacy
Skubal's journey to his Cy Young moment involved more than just raw talent; it featured evolution and adaptation. Recognizing the need for variety in his arsenal, he added a changeup to his repertoire, enhancing his ability to keep hitters off balance. His adaptability was evident throughout the season as opposing hitters managed an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of just .558 against him, underscoring his effectiveness in neutralizing threats.
The workhorse of the Tigers' rotation, Skubal averaged over six innings per start, illustrating not only dominance but endurance and reliability. Out of his 31 appearances, 22 were quality starts, providing his team with consistent opportunities to secure victories.
Reflecting on Greatness
As Skubal reflects on his achievements, he can draw parallels to past Tigers legends. Max Scherzer's Cy Young win in 2013 as a Tigers' pitcher adds a historic narrative to Skubal’s accomplishment. Skubal’s unanimous selection on his 28th birthday marks both a personal and professional milestone, one that places him among the finest in the game.
This extraordinary season will be remembered not just for the numbers but for the dominance and control that Tarik Skubal exhibited every time he stepped on the mound. It solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ pitching staff and as a luminary of Major League Baseball. As fans and analysts look to the future, Skubal’s 2024 season will undoubtedly be a benchmark for aspiring pitchers aiming for greatness.